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Elan S4 dash switches

PostPosted: Thu Jan 07, 2010 12:28 pm
by fjbm
Hi All

Does anyone know from which car were the S4 dash switches donated from?

Thanks

Re: Elan S4 dash switches

PostPosted: Thu Jan 07, 2010 1:20 pm
by richardcox_lotus
My understanding is that they were bespoke - certainly the 3-position window wipers. Robinson & Ross book does not give any Lucas listing.

Richard
72 Sprint

Re: Elan S4 dash switches

PostPosted: Thu Jan 07, 2010 3:12 pm
by nebogipfel
I have been told that Lotus sourced and modified them originally from a contemporary washing machine manufacturer but that may just be an urban myth?

If you have switches they are relatively easy to dismantle and clean, thus restoring function. (assuming nothing's broken or missing) My switches all responded to treatment and were in appalling condition!

Restoring the black parts is easily done with a hard plastic paint or ordinary aerosol satin black (ideally with plastic adhesion promoter first)

The lovely Susan Miller did have stock of some of them quite a while back. but they may now all be gone of course .........

http://www.mickmillerlotus.com/intro.html

Re: Elan S4 dash switches

PostPosted: Fri Jan 08, 2010 2:33 am
by stugilmour
Also might want to take a peek at Ray's web site at rdent.com

He lists a series of near replacements that are close. Scroll way down and he has pic's with cross referenced p/n's.

Understand that originals are NLA.

HTH

Re: Elan S4 dash switches

PostPosted: Fri Jan 08, 2010 4:10 pm
by saildrive2001
I've read on this group that using a light coating of silicone brake fluid rubbed over the plastic restores it to original finish. Haven't tried this yet but will when I get to rebuilding my dash.

Re: Elan S4 dash switches

PostPosted: Fri Jan 08, 2010 4:39 pm
by patrics
Hi,

I have used silicone fluid to clean my switches ? a small amount on a cloth, rub for 10 seconds and looks like new ? top tip
I didn?t actually use silicone brake fluid but am sure it would work fine ? just shows this stuff can actually be useful for something!

Cheers
Steve

Re: Elan S4 dash switches

PostPosted: Fri Jan 08, 2010 6:02 pm
by stuartgb100
"I didn?t actually use silicone brake fluid but am sure it would work fine ? just shows this stuff can actually be useful for something!"

and a pretty damn good substitute for paint stripper too !!

Regards,
Stuart.

Re: Elan S4 dash switches

PostPosted: Fri Jan 08, 2010 7:59 pm
by rdssdi
The original rocker switches were manufactured by Allied UK. I understand they are no longer in business. The switches were classified as appliance switches. Several internal switch circuits were used. I identified these circuits and I sourced replacements to use on my +2. I needed to purchase a minimum quantity from the manufacturer. I sold the surplus of my minimum purchase to RD and Dave Bean. Apparently they have reordered so I assume my circuit details and the switch dimensions are correct. Certainly work on my +2. But I had a new dash made which included the slight dimension change. If I remember around 1/16". May fit an original dash without any fettling. Ask ray at RD or Ken at Dave bean for details.

Bob

Re: Elan S4 dash switches

PostPosted: Fri Jan 08, 2010 11:58 pm
by RedS4
ArmorAll applied to the switches also returns them to original condition. If they are particularly bad, a few applications may be necessary, then once every quarter or so to keep them pristine!

Re: Elan S4 dash switches

PostPosted: Tue Jan 12, 2010 8:14 pm
by raygray
Sue miller has a new stock of repro window switches just fitted two look good

Re: Elan S4 dash switches

PostPosted: Mon Jun 21, 2010 3:04 pm
by fjbm
Hi

I just saw here viewtopic.php?p=63495#p63495 and here http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lotuselan ... =1&dir=asc that rdssdi found an alternative to the S4 dash switches.

Does anyone know here were they found and if I can get some for my car?

Cheers